The proposal sought permission to erect a dwelling on land at the rear of No. 5 Knole Paddock. The dwelling would be a 5 bed property, arranged over 2 storeys and T-shaped in footprint. The scheme included an integral garage and space for parking two vehicles to the front of the garage. A new access would be constructed in a relatively central position on the site.

Officers considered that the proposed dwelling, due to its position and scale in relation to the boundary with the drive, would be unduly prominent and detrimental to the informal, verdant and spacious character of the drive. In the absence of a completed S106 agreement, the development would also not secure an appropriate off site contribution towards affordable housing.

It was noted that a Members’ Site Inspection had been held for this application.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       -

For the Application:              Peter Hadley

Parish Representative:         -

Local Member:                      -

In response to a question Officers confirmed they did not believe overlooking was a reasonable objection to the application.

It was MOVED by the Vice-Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to refusepermission be adopted.

Some Members noted that that although higher than Birchwood, the application site was significantly lower than Falcon House and was lower than the land across the road. They also considered that the proposed dwelling would not have a greater visual impact than existing dwellings on the road.

Other Members considered that the proposal was not significantly different from the previous site application, which had been refused.

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

6 votes in favour of the motion

8 votes against the motion

It was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that:

“a) subject to the receipt of an acceptable completed S.106 Undertaking before 23 September 2012 to provide an acceptable financial contribution towards affordable housing, permission should be GRANTED subject to conditions to be agreed by Officers in consultation with Local Members. Conditions should include retention of boundary treatment as part of the landscaping.

b) if an acceptable S106 Undertaking is not received by 23 September 2012 permission be REFUSED as the development would fail to provide an off-site contribution towards affordable housing and would be contrary to Policy SP3 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy.”

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

9 votes in favour of the motion

5 votes against the motion

Resolved: That

a) subject to the receipt of an acceptable completed S.106 Undertaking before 23 September 2012 to provide an acceptable financial contribution towards affordable housing, permission should be GRANTED subject to conditions to be agreed by Officers in consultation with Local Members. Conditions should include retention of boundary treatment as part of the landscaping.

b) if an acceptable S106 Undertaking is not received by 23 September 2012 permission be REFUSED as the development would fail to provide an off-site contribution towards affordable housing and would be contrary to Policy SP3 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy.